Recently, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and IBM announced the release of two groundbreaking tools aimed at transforming how we address energy access and equity issues worldwide. These innovative models, developed for UNDP’s Data Futures Exchange’s GeoHub, are poised to bring a new level of precision and insight to one of the most pressing global challenges: the equitable distribution of clean energy.
The models — the AI-powered Electricity Access Forecasting and the Clean Energy Equity Index — will be freely available to the public, offering policymakers, researchers, and community leaders a chance to engage with the data and technologies that can shape energy policy decisions in real time. Built using cutting-edge platforms like IBM’s watsonx and IBM Cloud, these tools provide a much-needed resource for those striving to support a just energy transition, particularly across developing nations.
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A Collaboration for Change
The partnership between UNDP and IBM is an extension of IBM’s Sustainability Accelerator programme, which harnesses technology to address environmental challenges affecting vulnerable communities. Together, the two organisations embarked on a two-year collaboration, co-creating tools that can forecast energy access up to 2030 and provide detailed assessments of energy equity in the Global South. Their goal? To empower governments and local leaders with actionable data, thus supporting a future where clean energy is accessible to all.
As Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM’s Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, remarked, “By making innovative models freely accessible to the public, we aim to empower leaders, organisations, and community members alike with the insights to make impactful energy decisions around the world.”
AI-Powered Energy Access Forecasting
The Electricity Access Forecasting model is a major leap forward in energy planning. Unlike traditional models that provide a snapshot of the present, this tool uses AI and machine learning to predict future electricity access across 102 countries. By analysing variables such as population growth, urbanisation, infrastructure, and satellite imagery, it can project access to electricity through to 2030, particularly focusing on the Global South, including nations in Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.
This model offers critical insights for policymakers, who can now anticipate electricity needs and plan infrastructure accordingly. It is not only a tool for governments but also for NGOs and international organisations focused on development goals, enabling them to create more targeted interventions for energy access.
Clean Energy and Equity: A New Benchmark
The Clean Energy Equity Index, developed in collaboration with Stony Brook University, offers an unprecedented look at how clean energy resources can be distributed equitably. Combining environmental, social, and economic data, the tool generates a score from 0 to 1, indicating the level of urgency and opportunity for clean energy development in a given area.
This model empowers decision-makers to see which communities are at the greatest disadvantage in terms of energy access and allows for the planning of tailored solutions. The data currently spans 53 African countries, making it a crucial resource for addressing energy challenges in regions with high vulnerability and lower infrastructure investment.
Laurel Patterson, Head of the UNDP SDG Integration Team, emphasised the importance of these tools in accelerating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): “The solutions we’ve co-created provide a credible evidence base to help countries make meaningful and practical progress towards a just energy transition.”
The Importance of Free and Public Access
Historically, advanced tools like these have often been behind paywalls or restricted to academic and corporate settings. IBM and UNDP have intentionally made these models publicly accessible through GeoHub, ensuring that even the most underfunded and remote communities can benefit from the insights provided. This move is part of a broader effort to democratise access to data and technology in the global fight for sustainability.
The GeoHub platform itself offers users the ability to visualise and analyse geospatial data, making it a robust ecosystem for tackling development challenges with evidence-based, localised solutions. As Mathangeni Ngwira from UNDP Malawi notes, “The tool simplifies access to information in our project sites, helping to make more informed decisions to ensure energy security.”
Regional Adaptation and Global Potential
In Africa, where energy poverty remains a critical issue, these models can play a transformative role. For instance, Sambou Nget of UNDP Gambia explained how the Electricity Access Forecasting model can help identify off-grid communities and forecast their energy needs, allowing for more strategic deployment of mini-grid electricity systems.
Similarly, Natasha Van Rijn, Resident Representative for UNDP Madagascar, highlighted how geospatial technologies can inform decisions about where to invest in solar or wind power, particularly in remote areas with limited infrastructure.
The collaboration also aims to tackle the diverse energy challenges faced by smaller nations like Comoros, where geographical and infrastructural barriers are particularly daunting. “Advanced technologies can revolutionise data collection and tailor energy solutions to Comoros’ specific needs,” said Snehal Soneji, UNDP Comoros.
A Step Towards a Just Energy Transition
As the world moves towards cleaner energy solutions, tools like these represent a crucial step in ensuring that the transition is not only swift but also fair. By providing free access to advanced AI models, UNDP and IBM are equipping global leaders with the resources needed to plan a future where everyone can benefit from sustainable energy, irrespective of geography or socio-economic status.
In the words of John Matogo, IBM’s Corporate Social Responsibility Leader for the Middle East and Africa, “Our collaboration with UNDP allows communities to use the power of science, leading technology, and the latest innovations in AI to turn sustainability ambition into action.”
